SRSNH 2005 Upcoming Gatherings:
  Nov 27 - Gala (no gathering)
  Dec 18, Jan29, Feb 26, Mar 26, April 30, May 28 and June 25.  1-5pm.
  Free admission!  All ages, all instruments, all levels
  welcome; with potluck refreshments.

NOTES FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

There is no music for November.  Practicing and playing in the Gala is plenty.
If you haven't signed up, there is still time.  Just send me an email or a
phone call.

Last August I spent a week in St Andrews, Scotland, attending the RSCDS summer
school dance musicians' course.  For many years the RSCDS has held summer
school sessions for dancers and for people who wish to become teachers.  In the
last five years they have begun courses for dance musicians.  Even though I
have played for dancing for a long time I knew I would benefit from a week with
good teachers.  The class had 15 students, 5 accordions, 4 fiddles, 3
keyboards, 1 each electric bass, saxophone, flute.  The students were far flung
with both east and west coasts of the US, New Zealand, Holland, England, as
well as Scotland represented.  Our teachers were Angela Young, keyboard, George
Meikle, accordion, and Gordon Simpson, fiddle.  Two weeks before the class we
all received a package of music sets.  Some tunes were familiar and some were
brand new.  It was a total immersion experience.  We met as a whole class first
thing in the morning, talked about playing, played the sets.  Over and over we
were reminded to listen to each other's playing and to be aware of the tempo.
In late morning we broke into individual instrument groups.  Gordon tutored the
fiddlers, George the accordions and Angela the remainder of the group.  After
lunch, we assembled in assigned ensembles to practice the sets we would play
for a dance later in the week.  The teachers rotated amongst us to listen and
comment on our progress.  Besides playing for a dance, we learned about playing
for dance classes and got to practice at a class on Friday afternoon.  On
Thursday evening the little ensembles played for the Country Dance.  All the
dancers were excited at the prospect of hearing us, the members of the class
were nervous that they would play badly and the teachers were nervous that we
would not live up to their expectations.  The dancers cheered and clapped, the
class musicians were excited at all the praise, and the teachers beamed with
satisfaction at our performance.  There are two one week music sessions during
the Summer School.  I can't say enough about the positive experience I had.
Anyone who plays for dancing, or is interested in playing, should consider
attending one of these sessions.

Gala Update

We had our first run through of the Gala music yesterday.  Great fun!  Now we
need to sell tickets!!  Betsy Woodman wrote a little PR piece for her local
paper and I am sending it along to you.  If you know anyone who might be
interested in the concert, have a newspaper contact, or want to post something
on a bulletin board, here is what Betsy wrote:

 "I looked down the row where I was sitting, and every foot was tapping.
 That's the typical reaction to the Strathspey and Reel Society of New
 Hampshire's annual Gala Concert. People sometimes end up dancing in the
 aisles. (A strathspey, by the way, is Scottish dance with a characteristic
 snappy beat.)  Three years ago, I was in the audience and decided that the
 players looked as if they were having too much fun to miss.  Recorder in hand,
 I went to the next meeting of SRSNH and have been playing with them ever
 since".

 The SRSNH, now in its 18th year, is dedicated to playing Scottish tradition
 music. It is open to instrumentalists of all abilities and ages. Members range
 from enthusiastic beginners to performers of professional caliber and from
 preteens to senior citizens. In addition to its annual Gala, the Society is
 featured regularly at the New Hampshire Highland Games and plays for concerts
 and dances around New England.

Its 17th Annual Gala Scottish Concert will be on Sunday, November 27, 2005 at
2:30 PM, in the Concord City Auditorium, 39 Green St., Concord, NH.

The guest star this year is Scottish pianist and composer, Muriel Johnstone.
Muriel is highly regarded for her arrangements of music for Scottish dance and
for many stunning new compositions in the Scottish style. Dancers from Highland
Dance Boston will also perform and the SRSNH ensemble of fiddles, winds, harps,
strings and accordions will make this concert a great way to end the
Thanksgiving weekend. Tickets are $17, $14, & $12 and are available in advance
(recommended) as well as at the box office the day of the performance. Call
(603) 286-8211, e-mail to: SRSNHgala at aol.com or visit www.srsnh.org for more
information and a printable ticket order form.

It's still not too late to get the word out!  Think about where YOU can put
flyers that catch peoples' attention - at the Library, local bank, grocery
store, book store, work? SO!  SPREAD THE WORD!!

Gala Rehearsals
November 12 - Tech rehearsal at the Audi - 11am-3pm
November 20 - at the Annichiarico - 1pm-5 pm
November 26 - IMPORTANT TO ATTEND! - at Lake Shore Farm, Northwood - "Dress"
rehearsal 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm


Congratulations!

Jim Robinson returned to Tucson, Arizona for the Violin Makers Association of
Arizona International's annual conference and competition.  Makers from all
across the U.S. and Canada with varied skill levels and training converged on
Tucson the 2nd week of October to compete with their latest projects and to
exchange ideas and knowledge.  This year, Jim entered a cello he made this past
summer and modeled after Stradavari's Gore-Booth cello dated 1710.  Jim was
awarded first place for tone, and first place overall which includes
workmanship and varnish.  Jim is the assistant to the instructor at the Violin
Craftsmanship Institute at UNH, and has a full service violin shop, Renaissance
Strings in Nottingham, N.H.  Stop by and see and hear his award winning cello!
Jim also has a web site at: www.renstrings.com.  Congratulations Jim!

More on the Games

Besides playing our scheduled performances, some of our members competed at the
Games: NH School of Scottish Arts Pipe and Drum Band with Ellen Bassett playing
bass drum placed second in the Grade 4 category and their drumming placed
first.  Ellen's son Johnny placed first in solo piping and was the overall
Grade 1 winner of the day.  Pat Edwards-Colpitts son Gregory competed in the
junior grade 4 piping classes and placed 5th in slow air, 4th in pibroch, and
2nd in 2/4 march.  In the regional fiddle competition, Molly Trayner played
'Best Air' in the senior novice division; Nathaniel Chasse played 'Best Air' in
the junior novice.  Nathanial placed second overall in that division.  Other
members competing included Mike Hebb and Craig Brunson.

Traditional Arts Apprenticeships

SRS members and former members have received traditional arts apprenticeship
grants from the NH State Arts Council.  These grants enable a master
traditional artist to work with an apprentice, teaching traditional arts.  Nine
grants have been awarded and five involve SRS members!!

New member Craig Brunson will study violin construction and repair with Jim
Robinson.  Molly Traynor will continue her fiddling studies with Carolyn
Parrott.  Judith Olson of Keene studies Franco-American fiddling with Donna
Hebert.  Former member Hillaire Wilder has begun work with Randy Miller
learning dance piano techniques.  And Sarah Rosenfelder is continuing her piano
studies with Bob McQuillen.  The apprentices received grants ranging from $550
to $1,000 and their teachers' grants ranged from $2,000 to $2,450.
Congratulations to all of you!

A Good Use of SRS Scholarship Money

I have wanted to learn appropriate and pleasing piano backup for Scottish
melodies.  Yet, when I started with SRS several seasons ago, I had a severe
handicap: eyes, ears and mind closed to anything but classical notation and
sounds. Now, however, I "hear" modal tunes too and understand strathspeys. I am
becoming more proficient at knowing and playing the bass chords that enhance
the Scottish tunes.

One reason I am now closer to my goal is my lessons with Beth Murray, a player
and teacher of Scottish piano in the Boston area.  This fall, 2005, I have used
a SRSNH scholarship to work with her. Since one of the big jobs of the piano
player can be to set and maintain the rhythm, we discussed and practiced the
similarities and differences in the meter and feel of reels, marches, jigs,
waltzes, aires, strathspeys, and hornpipes. We also worked with chords and
their shapes that would blend in or contrast with the melody. We used various
techniques, such as drones or variations of "um-chunk", to achieve new
results. We looked at and played introductions and transitions.

I appreciate the opportunity to focus on the art of backup piano.  As a result,
I am closer to my ideal of being a good partner in playing Scottish music.
-Mary Mokler Oct 19, 2005

SRSNH SCOTTISH TOUR

The moment of truth is upon us! It's time for those who intend to tour Scotland
with the SRS to make a decision and send in a good-faith deposit!  The basics:
We will plan to leave June 6 (evening) and arrive in Glasgow June 7 where we'll
stay for two nights, then by coach to Oban for two nights, then to Stirling and
to Edinburgh for two nights each and to Ayr for two nights, before flying out
of Glasgow on June 17.  Along the way, there will be possible trips by ferry
either to Aran or Mull.

We can make arrangements for a Boston flight, or if you prefer, make your own
reservations from an airport more convenient to you, just let us know your
plans.  We estimate $2000 for this tour.  The current British pound exchange
rate $1.77 (not advantageous).

To reserve your spot, a deposit of $500 is required by December 15, 2005 with
the balance due by March 15; (total cost varies depending on your travel
arrangements) We will refund your $500, less a $20 administration fee until
March 15 if your plans change.

Make checks payable to "SRSNH - Scottish Tour", and send to: 102 Little Pond
Road, Concord, NH 03301.  If you have any questions, please email or call
Marianne Taylor taylorgorman at juno.com ,603- 463-7771, or Sylvia Miskoe,
smiskoe at aol.com , 603-225-6546.  A letter with more details will be sent to
those who send deposits by December 15.

Notes from the editor

I've been calling the contact points on the calendar and got to talk to Judith
Ackerson of the English Country Dance Society of NH (ECDSNH).  When they get
together (second Sunday from 5:30 to 7:45, September to June) they have two
paid musicians a piano player and fiddler.  Sometimes other musicians join
them.  Our Marianne Taylor usually plays the piano.  Judith said lately they
have been playing lots of OCarolan, and other "lively & traditional" tunes.
She invited everybody to come dance with the ECDSNH.

SRSNH EVENTS CALENDAR

SESSIONS, JAMS, DANCES

2nd Sundays - English dancing, 5:30-7:45pm, Presidential Oaks, Pleasant St,
Concord NH $6, or $5 for ECDSNH members.  Judith Ackerson 603.934.2543 or
jnoska at cyberportal.net; http://people.star.net/blw/dance/english

Contra Dance with Mark Sustic (Caller) and Frank Lajoie, members of the
Fiddleheads and others.  &:00PM at Waterville Hall, Waterville VT.  Presented
by the Cambridge Arts Council.  mrksustc at together.net

3rd Sundays- Gaelic Club, 3-7pm, Canadian American Club, Watertown MA
FROM Cassie Hansel, Peggy Morrison, 978-858-3792.

Mondays - Contra dance, 8-10:30, callers & musicians welcome to take a
turn. Nelson NH Town Hall, $3 827-3732.

Tuesdays - Irish/Celtic Sessions at The Barley House Restaurant and Tavern, 132
North Main Street, Concord NH 7:00 to 10:00 pm.  603-229-0083.

Wednesdays - Canadian Jam Session: We play a mixture of French and English
Canadian fiddle tunes as well New England tunes and other tunes we feel like
playing. $2 donation requested to cover the rent. Second Wednesdays from
7:30-10:30 at the Durham, NH Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (corner of
Madbury Rd and Woodman Ave). For info/directions: Peter Yarensky, 603-664-2513
or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.

Wednesdays - Fiddle on Wednesday - open jams - alternate between Ashland, NH
(Booster's Club) and the Gordon-Nash Library, New Hampton (7PM)

1st Wednesdays - Jam session, 7 pm, Foodee's, in the Milford Oval, Milford,
N.H. Sandy Lafleur 603-673-8497 or strumma at aol.com.

1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays-Scottish Country dance, 7-9 pm, Church of the Good
Shepherd, 214 Main St, Nashua NH.  $3.  Also, 4th and 5th Wednesdays-Scottish
Country dance, 7-9 pm, Chandler Library, 257 Main St., Nashua, NH. Free. More
info: Loren Wright 603-891-2331, nashuaSCD at comcast.net, or
http://homepage.mac.com/lonwright/NashuaSCD

Wednesday "Slow Jam"- Concord Community Music School; 7:30-9PM voluntary
donation; info: 226.1966 or cordway at cmusicschool.org

Thursdays: Acoustic Open Mic 7:30PM - Green Martini - 8 Pleasant Street
Extension, Concord NH host: Duane D'Agnese

1st Thursday of every month: Dover, NH City Hall - Contra/square Dance with the
Peter Yarensky & Sarah Mason calling and teaching, music by the Lamprey River
Band. Beginners welcome; all dances taught. Guest musicians and callers
welcome. 8:00-10:40, $7, students $5. For info/directions: Peter Yarensky,
603-664-2513 or peter.yarensky at unh.edu.

Fridays - Press Room, Portsmouth, NH - Irish Music sessions (open) - 4:30 PM or
to when the music upstairs starts (9PM)

Fridays - Seacoast Scottish Country Dance class, Greenland Parish Hall on Rte
151, Greenland, N.H., 7:30-9:30 pm, through end of June, Laurie Stevens
603-773-9795.

1st Fridays: Contra dance, Windham, N.H. Town Hall, 1/2 mi. W of exit 3, I-93;
Neil Harvey 603-890-8907.

2nd Fridays: Contra dance, Kittery, Me. Grange Hall (now called the Left
Banke), 8 pm - various bands. $6.

3rd Fridays - Square and Contra Dances. Roaring Jelly, Lexington, Mass. Susan
Elberger, Caller, and Debby Knight, Music Director. To dance or join band, call
781-944-3544, www.toc.lcs.mit.edu/~slonim/rjelly.html.

4th Fridays - Contra dance, 8-11 pm, Town Hall, Milford, NH Open band. Frank
Woodward 603-487-2480

1st Saturdays - Contra dance 8-11pm, Town Hall Peterborough, N.H.  (phone):
(603) 525-3883, (603) 525-4432; Email: fiddleheads at adelphia.net

Saturday afternoon - play fiddle with John Campbell at his home in Maynard,
MA. For specifics, John 978-897-7031.

Saturday Afternoons, Arlington Comm. Traditional Music Sessions, All sessions
are on Saturday afternoons from 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Fox Library, corner of
Mass Ave and Cleveland St in East Arlington, MA.  Admission is $1 per person.
Call 781-643-3603 for further information and upcoming dates.

Second Saturdays Dance - Gilmanton, NH Town Hall (Academy Building)
(intersection Rtes 107 & 14)- 8-11pm.  info: (603) 267-7227; Sept. 11- Music:
Bill Perry, Patrick Horning, Dave Medritz; Caller: Byron Ricker; Oct. 9 Old New
England, Caller: Don Primrose; November 13, Randy Miller & Friends, Caller: Sue
Hunt; Dec. 11 - Two Fiddles, Caller: Dudley Laufman

2nd Saturdays - Contra dance, 8-11pm, Francestown, NH Town Hall.  Frank
Woodward.  For more information, call 603-487-2480 or NHdancecaller at aol.com

Third Saturdays - Dance - East Concord, NH Community Center 8PM info: dwh at
nhvt.net

4th Saturdays - Contra dance, Kingston, NH, 8:30 pm - various bands. $7,
603-750-7506.

Saturday Jam Session - Acoustic Outfitters - Stratham, NH (778-9711
www.aomusicshop.com) from October to May 1st and 3rd Saturdays. 2-5PM

Granite Skyes is published monthly (10 issues) between September and June by
the Strathspey & Reel Society of New Hampshire. Subscription $8/yr ($18
overseas). Individual domestic memberships cost $20/yr; please inquire about
other rates.

Edited by Jack Langley.  All items welcome, depending on space available; If
you have something to include in this news letter, you can email or phone.
Deadline for submissions is the 1st of the month.  If the submission is still
relevant it will be considered for the next issue.

Jack Langley
26 Buttonwood Drive
Hollis NH 03049
603.465.4022
jackieaxe at earthlink.net

Email subscription is free; send request to bmcowen at comcast.net.

SRSNH 2005 Gatherings
Next:
Sunday, November 27, 2005 GALA CONCERT (no session)
Sunday December 18, 2005
1-5pm.  Free admission.  All ages, all instruments, all levels welcome; with potluck refreshments.
DATES???

Annicchiaricco Music Theater: 1 Thompson St. at South Main St.  Take I-93 to
Exit 13 or 14.  Take South Main St to Thompson, 2 blocks south of Pleasant St
(Rts 202/9), 1 Block north of the Capital Center for the Arts.  Free parking on
the street.  DO NOT PARK IN THE RESIDENT'S LOT.